Collections Digitization Librarian

Description

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON AND THE UW LIBRARIES

The University of Washington is one of the best universities in the world, ranked No. 18 globally by the Academic Ranking of World Universities, and No. 6 globally and No. 2 among U.S. public institutions by US News & World Report. The UW receives more federal research dollars than any other U.S. public university; in FY23, the UW received $1.87 billion total research awards (federal and non-federal sources). For more information, please visit the UW home page.  

Serving all three UW campuses, the Libraries is an integral partner in the education, research, clinical care, and service mission of the University. Beyond the strength of its extensive collections and digital resources, the Libraries is recognized for its excellent programs and services, innovative learning and research spaces, faculty partnerships, global reach, assessment efforts and diverse award-winning staff. The Libraries is committed to integrating equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism into all aspects of our work and organizational culture. Learn more about the UW Libraries online. 

PRESERVATION SERVICES

Preservation Services is one of four departments in the Collections & Content portfolio of the University of Washington Libraries and provides preservation services for all three University campuses according to established preservation standards and practices. The department consists of ten staff who manage programs designed to extend the life of the UW Libraries collections including commercial binding, conservation, digital preservation, disaster planning, environmental monitoring, media preservation, preservation replacement and reformatting, and shelf preparation. 

THE POSITION

Reporting to the Director of Preservation Services, the Digitization Librarian oversees and directs still image digitization projects within the Preservation Services Department. In collaboration with other library departments and stakeholders, the Digitization Librarian works with the unique and diverse collections held throughout the Libraries to ensure and enhance access to the University of Washington Libraries’ collections. The incumbent will work as part of a team of staff increasing internal capacity for digitization and supporting the Libraries’ preservation program. 

This position is not tenure eligible. This position is represented by SEIU 925 – Libraries. Please see the SEIU 925 UW Libraries 2023-2026 collective bargaining agreement for the Librarian promotion process.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Still Image Reformatting Project Management

• Provides project planning and management for still image reformatting projects, including in-house, vendor, and mass digitization initiatives. Researches projects for feasibility and estimates costs. Develops project timelines and coordinates workflows, procedures, and quality control for work performed. Collaborates with Digital Preservation Librarian to ensure digitized files are ingested into digital preservation repository as needed. Identifies and recommends useful software and hardware as needed.
• Builds on established specifications for digitization and/or format conversion, recommends vendors, and acts as a technical liaison to vendors. Ensures that digital conversion is accomplished following established standards for creation of preservation files and local guidelines for ingest into preservation and access repositories. Evaluates and improves workflows and procedures for production quality and efficiency.
• Consults with other staff in Preservation and Conservation on issues related to conservation treatment before and after digitization as well as proper care and handling of collections during digitization. 

Needs Assessment, Policy Development, & Planning 

• Works in consultation with Libraries staff to evaluate priorities for digitization and reformatting of materials throughout the Libraries.
• In partnership with Libraries stakeholders, develops policies and best practices related to the digitization of collections.
• Provides expertise on best practices for still image digitization for a variety of materials.
• Maintains an awareness of copyright, rights, and accessibility issues as they relate to digitized library collections and consults with Copyright Librarian and other Libraries staff as needed.
• Contributes to grant development related to preservation and reformatting.

Outreach, Service, Professional Development, and Other Responsibilities 

• Provides professional advice and education to staff, interns, and other libraries and cultural heritage institutions as appropriate.
• Demonstrates sustained commitment to professional development and productive service in professional associations, and University Libraries committees and task forces, as appropriate.
• Assists with preservation assessment, disaster planning, recovery, and response, environmental monitoring, and grant projects. 

RANK

Position will be at the rank of Assistant Librarian or Senior Assistant Librarian, depending on qualifications and background. See the Rank, Status, Initial Appointments, Renewal of Appointments and Promotions of UW Libraries Librarians article in the SEIU 925 UW Libraries 2023-2026 collective bargaining agreement for librarian rank appointment criteria.

BENEFITS

Librarians are academic personnel and participate in the UW Retirement Plan (UWRP) or the state’s Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) Plan 3. This is a full-time, 12-month appointment.  Vacation is accrued at the rate of 26 working days per year; sick leave at the rate of 12 working days per year. No state or local income tax. A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found on our Benefits page. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.

SALARY

The base salary range for this position will be $5,800-$7,200 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. Other compensation associated with this position may include a moving allowance.

ANTICIPATED START DATE

While we hope to fill the position in Spring Quarter 2025, we are happy to work with the successful candidate to explore opportunities for an earlier or later start date.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applications received by 8:59 p.m. PST/11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025, will receive priority review. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a rolling biweekly basis at the discretion of the unit. 

Apply through Interfolio.

The following documents are required as part of your application for this vacancy:

• Cover letter (addressed to Laura Lillard, Director, Libraries Human Resources)
• Curriculum vitae or resume (include a telephone number, mailing address, email address and salary requirements)
• List of three references who are knowledgeable of your qualifications for this position, one of which must be your current supervisor (include telephone numbers, mailing addresses, and email addresses, and specify current supervisor)
• Equity Diversity Inclusion Accessibility (EDIA) Statement*

* UW Libraries Equity Diversity Inclusion Accessibility (EDIA) Statement Guidelines

Equity is a core value of the UW Libraries and an integral component of the Libraries 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. We aspire to become a truly inclusive and equitable organization. We actively support the University in sustaining diversity, creating inclusive experiences for the UW community, and confronting institutional bias and structural racism. In your application, please include a separate statement of no more than 300 words that describes your potential or experience to support and contribute to the Libraries’ commitment to providing equitable services and resources to all people, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or veteran status.

For questions about this position, or questions regarding potential disability accommodations, please contact Laura Lillard at [email protected].

Requirements

Required 

• Graduate degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or an equivalent graduate library science, information studies or archival studies degree.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and understanding of the contributions a diverse workforce brings to the workplace.
• Previous experience digitizing fragile books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and other materials.
• Familiarity with digital image editing software, data management, and processing tools. Knowledge of calibration tools and techniques for still-image formats. Experience with operating, cleaning, and maintaining still-image digitization equipment.
• Strong project management skills including demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, meet project milestones, document decisions and procedures, and communicate outcomes.
• Knowledge of copyright, rights, accessibility, and ethical issues as they relate to still-image digitization.
• Evidence of ability to work independently and with others in a demanding and rapidly changing environment where consultation, collaboration, and effective working relationships are essential.
• Evidence of strong written and verbal communications skills, including the ability to write clear technical and procedural documentation. 

Preferred 

• Demonstrated education and/or training in still-image digitization, such as completion of an internship with an established professional or other verifiable education, training, or work experience.
• Experience using professional digitization equipment in a production environment, understanding of still image capture standards, and awareness of FADGI guidelines.
• Demonstrated expertise and technical knowledge in the creation and management of digital information including preservation reformatting specifications for library collections as they apply to capture, quality control, hardware and software, and digital file formats.
• Experience with the creation of technical and preservation metadata for digital files.
• Experience with automation tools and/or scripting to effectively increase digital output.
• Understanding of preservation program activities in an academic research library.
• Demonstrated experience managing staff or student assistants.
• Understanding of digital preservation principles, standards, and best practices.